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ALTERNATIVES TO COLLAGEN INJECTIONS: RETIN-A & ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAS)
24 March 2009
by
admin
Filed under
Allergies
1)Retin-A— this nighttime prescription cream or gel, made from a vitamin A derivative, works best on eliminating small, fine scars and wrinkles. It may also help to fade dark spots on the skin. It works by thickening the outer layer of the skin and acting like a mild peel, slowly taking off layers of skin along with tiny surface lines and fine wrinkles. Retin-A treatment can also get rid of certain pigment problems such as irregular color or brown spots which may appear on the skin.
The disadvantages of Retin-A include the need for regular applications, or else the original skin condition will return, and it can cause the skin to become extremely sensitive to the sun, necessitating the use of potent sun blocks all year. It can also cause dryness, blotchiness and redness. While the cream is approved for use as an acne treatment, The FDA has not yet approved Retin-A as an anti-aging medication. The treatment, including an office visit and the cream or gel prescription, costs about $100 a year.
According to the results of a 30-month study, most of the wrinkle-removing effects of Retin-A occur within the first six months of use. The study also suggests that for many people, treatment with Retin-A beyond a year or so is not necessary.
Researchers at Washington Hospital Center revealed that about 50 percent of the 486 people who participated in the study no longer needed Retin-A as a wrinkle remover after 12 to 18 months of treatment. The rest of the subjects in the study required regular “maintenance” doses one to three times a week.
The researchers involved in the nine-hospital study, hope the new information will prompt the FDA to approve Retin-A for commercial cosmetic use.
2) Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)— a dermatologist can prescribe one of six types of acids which are derived from fruit, milk and other natural sources. The acids, available by prescription in cream form, are usually prescribed for people who are allergic to Retin-A. Alpha hydroxy acids are used during the day, under makeup and with a sunblock. They can reduce surface lines, helping to restore a more youthful appearance.
The disadvantages to AHAs are the same as those for Retin-A, although they are not quite as drying. AHA treatment costs the fee of an office visit, plus about $50 for the prescribed cream.
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